Exploring a Bis-imine Derived Azide Containing Dinuclear Iron(III) Complex: Fluorescence Recognition of F- and Atmospheric CO2 Fixation

A bis-imine derivative is used for the synthesis of a dinuclear Fe(III) complex (F2) in presence of azide ion, the structure of which is confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The F2 selectively recognizes F- via turn on fluorescence at micro-molar level. In presence of F-, non-fluorescent F2 assumes an average life time, 1.17 ns. In addition, preliminary studies on catalytic efficiency of F2 for fixation of atmospheric CO2 by transforming epoxide to cyclic carbonate is impressive with almost 99 % yield under optimum conditions.